Ketamine Treatment Services from Pyschiatrists in Los Angeles

Safety is Our Priority

As the true potential of ketamine as a treatment for depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and bipolar depression has become more apparent, numerous ketamine clinics have opened their doors. At Westside Mind Health, we pride ourselves on doing things differently from the “one-size-fits-all” approach you’ll see at many of these other clinics. We provide IV ketamine and intramuscular (IM) ketamine infusions as well as ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in a safe, comfortable, carefully monitored setting. You will receive the highest level of care from our well-trained, experienced, board-certified psychiatrists. Our priority is safety, and we follow “best-practice” guidelines in order to create an optimal and transformative treatment experience for our patients. At Westside Mind Health, your progress is always carefully monitored and any side effects or concerns are fully taken into account when considering dosing, frequency, and any additional medications that may be indicated to ensure you have the most pleasant and effective treatment experience possible.

The high quality of our care stands in stark contrast to many other ketamine clinics, which utilize providers who are not mental health professionals or who are unlicensed practitioners, working under the supervision of a physician who is often not on-site.

IS KETAMINE THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Ketamine Treatment for Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges cause immense suffering and often only respond partially to conventional treatments. Ketamine is a ground-breaking, evidence-based medication that can offer rapid relief from symptoms, even when other options have failed. Ketamine’s unique properties make it is a transformative treatment for many mental health issues.

At Westside Mind Health, use of ketamine is always considered with care. We understand the value of patient education and careful consideration about potential side effects, health risks, and alternative treatment options. Our approach is measured and rooted in the belief that any potential adverse effects must be thoroughly explored and discussed prior to deciding if ketamine is the right treatment for you.

Woman with hat and sunglasses, smilling, on a summer day, with blue sky in the background.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in day to day activities such as work, school, social activities or relationships. Recent U.S. studies show that over 16 million adults suffered a major episode of depression during the course of one year. Since COVID, rates of depression diagnosis have risen more than 30% due in large part to imposed isolation, economic uncertainty, increased stressors, and potentially even long-term consequences of the virus itself. Studies suggest that almost 17% of those experiencing Long COVID symptoms report depressive symptoms years after first contracting the virus.

While other treatments for depression often take weeks or even months to take effect and often require combinations of different drugs, ketamine can rapidly reduce life-threatening acts and thoughts and relieve other symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies indicate that ketamine targets NMDA receptors in the brain. By binding to these receptors it increases the amount of glutamate in the spaces between the neurons. This activates the AMPA receptors, which leads to a release of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and mTOR, molecules that help the neurons communicate more effectively and stimulate neuron growth or “synaptogenesis.” This increase in BDNF begins reversing depression-related deficits in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, rewiring the brain by strengthening existing connections between neurons, creating new connections, and stimulating the creation of entirely new neurons. Think of it as Human Growth Hormone for your brain. This process of synaptogenesis in key brain regions associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses is thought to affect mood, thought patterns, and cognition. Some patients have even reported improved cognitive performance.

Ketamine is one of the most promising new treatment options for depression. While ketamine has been used for decades as an anesthetic because of its safety and effectiveness, over the past twenty years, research has consistently demonstrated that the use of ketamine in lower, non-anesthetic doses markedly improves depression, often in a single treatment session. Westside Mind Health provides a safe, comfortable, and carefully monitored setting for ketamine treatments to address depression in adults and adolescents.

Bipolar Disorder is a psychiatric mental health diagnosis associated with high morbidity, mortality and suicide rate. It has a progressive course and a high rate of treatment resistance, requiring fast-acting interventional strategies. Bipolar disorder is often diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood.

Ketamine has rapid anti-depressive and anti-suicidal effects. This is significant for those suffering from bipolar disorder as it has the highest lifetime risk for suicide among all psychiatric disorders. If left untreated, bipolar depression can cause neuroprogression that results in structural brain changes. As such, it is important to intervene and course correct as soon as possible.

Recent randomized studies of ketamine show rapid antidepressive effects without significant side effects. This is a huge benefit for a condition that has a high treatment failure rate due to drug resistance. Westside Mind Health (WMH) provides a safe, comfortable, and carefully monitored setting for ketamine treatments to address bipolar depression in adults and adolescents.

The adolescent brain is different from the adult brain in many ways. First, the adolescent brain is still growing and developing, the connections within it are being refined (synaptic pruning) and the communication between areas is becoming faster (myelination). Hormones are surging, affecting brain activity. Also, teenagers are interacting in more complicated ways with peers and on social media, which further stimulates brain activity (dopamine).

This complicated dance of development can make adolescents moodier, with big highs and lows, impulsiveness, and willingness to take risks for instant gratification (sensation seeking). Given these differences, the assessment and recommended treatments for teens are often not the same as for adults. Therefore, clinicians treating adolescents require specialty training to adequately assess and recommend treatments that have the highest chance of success.

Though research is still ongoing, early studies indicate that ketamine may work quickly to reduce symptoms of depression in adolescents. Westside Mind Health’s team of psychiatrists are fellowship trained and board certified in child & adolescent psychiatry and have decades of experience working with teens. They are uniquely qualified to provide expert insight and treatment recommendations for teenagers regarding therapies such as ketamine. Commonly misunderstood, ketamine is a safe, effective treatment for adolescent patients when administered by experienced professionals such as our staff, in a calming, comfortable, medical environment. With our team’s specialized knowledge of adolescent mental health, ketamine is a safe and effective alternative for individuals whose depression has been deemed “treatment resistance” due to lack of response to traditional antidepressants or when symptoms require urgent treatment.

In cases where adolescents are experiencing suicidal ideation or self-injurious behavior, it is imperative that treatments work right away in order to reduce the risk of harm. The response to ketamine is usually rapid, often reducing symptoms within one day.

This treatment can be life saving when provided under appropriate medical supervision. Given their education, training, and experience, Westside Mind Health’s child & adolescent psychiatrists offer unmatched expertise and unparalleled care for adolescents whose mental health may benefit from ketamine treatments.

Since it was first identified and studied during postwar psychological treatment of U.S. veterans, there have been many strides in understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The mental health community now widely recognizes PTSD as affecting, not just veterans, but also adults, adolescents, and children older than 6 years. PTSD typically occurs as a result of:

• Directly experiencing traumatic event(s).

• Witnessing, in person, traumatic event(s) as it occurred to others.

• Learning that traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend.

• Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s). This does not apply to exposure through electronic media, television, movies, or pictures, unless this exposure is work related.

This initial exposure (or repeated exposure) can cause someone to persistently re-experience the event(s) in the form of:

Unwanted, upsetting memories or flashbacks
Nightmares about or related to the traumatic event(s)
Emotional and/or physical distress (i.e. sweating, shaking, tensing, etc.) following exposure to reminders of the traumatic event(s).

Individuals are typically diagnosed with PTSD when these symptoms are paired with avoidance of stimuli (i.e. people, places, objects, sounds, smells, etc.) associated with the traumatic event(s), negative thoughts or feelings that began as a result of or worsened after the traumatic event(s), and reactivity to trauma triggers for a month or more following the traumatic event(s).

These negative thoughts and/or feelings can manifest as:

The inability to recall aspects of the traumatic event(s), especially central features of it
Excessively negative thoughts, feelings, and/or assumptions about oneself, people, and/or the world
Persistent, harsh blame placed upon oneself or others for causing the trauma or being unable to prevent it
Feeling alone and isolated
Negative thoughts and feelings which may be accompanied by difficulty experiencing positive thoughts and feelings

Reactivity can manifest differently for different people or in different ways as the condition progresses. It can look like:

Aggression or irritability with no clear cause or resulting from exposure to stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s)
Intentionally risky, destructive, or impulsive behavior
Hypervigilance or hyperawareness of your surroundings
An exaggerated startle response (i.e. jumping, flinching, looking around, etc.) in response to unexpected sounds, touch, or other sensory or environmental triggers
Challenges concentrating
Insomnia or difficulty falling or staying asleep

Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger. It is important to know that the symptoms of PTSD may not be immediately apparent and it could take years for signs of distress to manifest.

The experiences one has during ketamine treatments often provide a new perspective on one’s problems and allow individuals processing trauma to reframe triggers and thought patterns associated with the traumatic event(s). Though more research is needed, pre-clinical and early clinical trials indicate ketamine may be helpful for the treatment of PTSD.

At Westside Mind Health, we provide IV ketamine and intramuscular (IM) ketamine assisted psychotherapy in a safe, comfortable, carefully monitored setting. Our process has three components — assessment, treatment, and potentially therapy. Together, we make an informed decision about whether ketamine infusion treatments can help with PTSD.

During the fall and winter many people experience seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While the specific causes of this disorder are unknown, it seems to be more prevalent in younger adults. Common symptoms of SAD include oversleeping, general lethargy, overeating, and feelings of restlessness. As an adjunct to light therapy, ketamine services may provide therapeutic benefits which can help to alleviate SAD symptoms.

As doctors who are board certified as child and adolescent psychiatrists, we at Westside Mind Health (WMH) are well qualified to help assess and treat the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder in the youth populations, as well as in adults.

At WMH, we provide IV and intramuscular (IM) ketamine infusions as well as ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in a safe, comfortable, carefully monitored setting. Our priority is safety, and we follow “best-practice” guidelines in order to create an optimal treatment experience for our patients. Our process has two essential components: assessment and treatment. Together, we make an informed decision about whether ketamine infusion treatments can help counteract a patient’s fall- or winter-onset of SAD and whether ketamine assisted therapy following infusion may provide added relief.

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread, which can interfere with daily life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events. People living with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months, if not years.

Symptoms of anxiety include:
• Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
• Being easily fatigued
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
• Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
• Sleep disruptions, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep

Recent studies have shown that, even at low doses, ketamine infusion can result in a significant reduction in irritability, agitation, and panic attacks. At slightly higher doses, ketamine has demonstrated the ability to reduce both Generalized Anxiety Disorder and social anxiety symptoms across the board. In fact, a recent research review reports that the effects of ketamine more effectively reduce scores on anxiety self‐report measures than midazolam, lithium, or valproate or other more traditional psychiatric treatments alone.

To determine if ketamine is likely to be a safe and effective option for you, we will get to know you, understand the symptoms from which you seek relief, and learn what treatments you have tried before. You will complete rating scales that establish a baseline of your symptomatology. Together, we will make an informed decision about whether to proceed with ketamine treatment.

For those experiencing persistent and severe depression, the desire to no longer be alive or wishing to be dead is a heavy burden, but it may feel like the only way to truly find relief from the pain and distress they’re experiencing. Due to the slow onset of symptom relief and incremental benefits many experience with antidepressants, they may not be the best form of treatment for someone experiencing either passive (i.e. no longer wishing to be alive, but not making plans to take their life) or active suicidal ideation. This is especially true for those who experience other depressive symptoms that may be something of a safeguard against actually acting on these suicidal thoughts. For those experiencing suicidal ideation, ketamine may be able to offer quick, effective relief they may not find in traditional treatment methods.

Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

• Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

• Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Giving away important possessions

• Saying goodbye to friends and family

• Putting affairs in order, such as making a will

• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

• Talking or thinking about death often

• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

• Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling great guilt or shame

• Using alcohol or drugs more often

• Acting anxious or agitated

• Changing eating or sleeping habits

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

In cases where adults or adolescents have suicidal ideation, self-injurious or self-harm behavior, it is imperative that treatments work right away in order to reduce the risk of potential harm. The response to ketamine is usually rapid, often reducing symptoms within mere hours or a single day. Early studies indicate that ketamine may work quickly to reduce symptoms of depression in adults and adolescents, acting as a potentially life-saving when provided under appropriate medical supervision.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD often experience time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life.

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that are intrusive, unwanted, and make most people anxious. Common obsessions include:

• Fear of germs or contamination
• Fear of forgetting, losing, or misplacing something
• Fear of losing control over one’s behavior
• Aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself
• Unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm
• Desire to have things symmetrical or in perfect order

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors a person feels the urge to do, often in response to an obsession. Common compulsions include:

• Excessive cleaning or handwashing
• Ordering or arranging items in a particular, precise way
• Repeatedly checking things, such as ensuring that the door is locked or the oven is off
• Compulsive counting
• Praying or repeating words silently

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems cause immense suffering and often only respond partially to conventional treatments. Ketamine is a ground-breaking, evidence-based medication that can offer rapid relief from symptoms, even when other options have provided few or no positive.

A PSYCHIATRIC APPROACH

Our Process

Assessment

During the initial assessment, our Westside Mind Health team will determine if ketamine is likely to be a safe and effective option for you.

We will get to know you, understand your symptoms, and learn what treatments you have tried before. Throughout treatment, we will have you complete symptom rating scales that establish a baseline of symptomatology and allow us to track your response to treatment.

We will discuss ketamine generally, how it affects your brain, the experiences most people have when being treated with ketamine, the likely benefits of this treatment, and the possible risks of treatment. Together, we make an informed decision about whether to proceed with ketamine therapy.

We encourage those who are currently undergoing ketamine treatment and those who are considering ketamine to ask questions and seek more information before making a decision.

Show More Show Less

Treatment

Because they have consistently been shown to be the most effective means of administration, we offer ketamine using intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) routes of administration depending on client preference.

The frequency of treatment sessions are determined by the treatment team. A typical initial course would be two treatments per week for three to four weeks followed by weekly treatments for four weeks.

During treatment sessions, you are closely monitored while reclining comfortably. Patients usually listen to music and wear an eye mask. Vital signs are monitored for safety.

While actual administration of ketamine therapy takes about 40 minutes, infusion sessions typically last anywhere between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the route of administration and patient comfortability. Extra time is intentionally allotted to allow you the chance to relax and process your experience. At each session, you will be asked to complete symptom rating scales that enable us to track your progress.

Show More Show Less

Therapy

We are one of the few ketamine clinics to be psychiatrist-owned and operated and to have psychiatrists practicing on-site. This allows us to offer ketamine assisted psychotherapy in order to integrate your ketamine treatment experiences into your daily life and relationships.

On its own, ketamine produces powerful mood-elevating effects. The experience during ketamine treatments also can be the source of immense psychological change. Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) can allow you to process these changes as well as any thoughts or feelings you experience during treatment.

To conclude your session, you have the option of adding a therapy session with a licensed therapist to guide your processing of the session. Like any medical service there are many factors that should be evaluated in order to determine if it is the right clinical path for you.

Show More Show Less

SAFETY, EXPERIENCE, PRIVACY

Our Clinic

A comfortable and calming environment for our patients.

Photography by Taylor Woods

Your Safety

Our priority is safety, and we follow “best-practice” guidelines in order to create an optimal treatment experience for our patients. At the outset of your session there will be a licensed nurse to directly monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Additionally, we are one of the few ketamine clinics to be psychiatrist-owned, operated, and practicing on-site.

Your Experience

Because environment is important during a ketamine treatment, we take a holistic approach to the use of light, sound, and sensation. We use high-end audio accessories, sleep masks, and weighted blankets to ensure a positive ketamine experience. Our clinic’s refined appearance is designed with relaxation, quality, detail, and sophistication in mind. We want our clientele to feel safe and comfortable in our medically-supervised treatment rooms.

Your Privacy

Westside Mind Health is located on Wilshire Blvd. in West Los Angeles. We are in a 4,000 sq. ft. suite with well-regarded, established psychiatrists. In our ketamine clinic, as in our medical practices, we take privacy and confidentiality seriously. Our staff is discreet and our spacious waiting rooms afford patients a significant amount of personal space.

Ketamine Clinic supervised by on-site psychiatrists

Unlike the anesthesiology or emergency medicine practitioners who run most ketamine clinics, our team of highly-skilled psychiatrists is not simply familiar with ketamine itself, but also is able to focus on the patient’s underlying psychiatric condition(s) and overall mental health trajectory to ensure meaningful results. We work closely with patients and/or their providers to understand their goals and provide careful, active management of their ketamine experience.

A Safe Place
The ketamine treatments at Westside Mind Health have positive, life changing effects. Westside Mind Health is a safe place for these kinds of treatment.
Tracey M.

WESTSIDE MIND HEALTH KETAMINE CLINIC

Our Services

Safety is Our Priority

IS KETAMINE THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Ketamine Treatment for Mental Health

A PSYCHIATRIC APPROACH